Our son is seriously considering the enlisting in the Navy

[Angela]

Our son Matthew called us and told us he's taking the necessary tests and exmas to be considered for the Navy. My heart sank. I felt immediately overcome with fear and visions of returning combat veterans, seriously injured whose lives are forever changed. Our son in a man, a college graduate, a good head on his shoulders. But all I wanted to do was tell him of all the reasons I thought he shouldn't enlist. I knew instantly that this would do him a great disservice. He is a young man, keen to be of service, to serve a noble purpose, and if he got to see the world in the process that would be okay with him too. I am praying for the strength to protect him from MY fears and concerns. I am praying that GOD will guide him in the decision that is only his to make. I want to do the right thing by Matthew. I know I have the power to encourage him or cause him distress in this decision making process. But honestly, I don't know how I can keep from being teary eyed in any discussion of armed forces service when I know too well that this will undoubtably place him in harm's way. I appreciate your website so much. It is such a blessing already. Thank you for letting me share .

[Achseh]

You're in the right place, Mom, and you have a good handle on the situation. Have faith and we'll help with the info.

[Angela]

Dear Achseh,
You Navy Moms have been an incredible blessing. Thank you for YOUR service to the parents of our sailors. I would have a very hard time without this support. God bless you and your sailor.
Angela

[Barbara's Page]

Dear Angela,
The Navy is a wonderful choice. Your son will have so many options and a great future ahead of him.
The Navy is nothing to fear. Please keep in contact with us Navy moms, we'll help you through all this.

Take care ,
Barbara

[Angela]

Dear Barbara,
Thank you for your kindness in replying. Navy Moms is already helping me work through the fear. I can remember to pray for them and their precious loved ones and remember to trust God with our son's decision and for the outcome. God Bless you and your loved ones today Barbara. Take Good Care, Angela

[rick]

as a retired navy vet and a parent i understand your concerns.however if your son will take advantage of all that is offered he will receive a life full of education that will serve him his whole life,duty,honor just to mention a few.he will see places others only dream of and get paid to do it.he will make friends that will be with him his whole life.
i retired in 1995 and if it were possible i would be back on ship today but alas im to old,i think somedays my wife would like me gone to.in the changing times he will have a job,education if he wants it,insurance and a chance to see the world if he applies him self there is nothing he can not do.

[Angela]

Dear Rick, Thanks for your words of encouragement. Thank you for your service. The opportunities and qualities you describe are the very reasons our son has stated have drawn him to consider Naval service. We know that whatever our Matthew sets his mind to, he will do with all his heart, mind and soul.
Take Good care,
Angela

[Donna AKA Hunter's Mom]

Angela,
I was were you are 3 yrs ago, I know how you feel completely! And really do trust in your sons decision, it comes a point they make their own choices and this is a good one :-) My son is now over in Japan working on Prowler jets, has a bunch of good friends, and in a few hours he and his buddies are going snow boarding on Mt Fugi! Now who else can they work for and have that much fun!! And before you know they will travel to Guam and he'll call home to say he had a great time scuba diving!
With you son being a college grad he will start off at a higher pay grade and that is a plus!
It's a good decision and he will grow even more! Just smile and cry and know that he is in Gods hands no matter where he is!
Keep in touch with us moms and a few dads too.
Donna

[Gayle (Jim's Mom)]

Hi Angela,
We have all been exactly where you are right now. When my son told me he was considering enlisting I was so frightened I was numb. But I listened and talked and talked and listened. When I heard the man in him coming thru I knew Jim had made the right choice. I was still scared. Still am. But with the BEST training in the whole world and his dedication to this country my fears have subsided a bit. Plus you have all of us! There are so many great people on this site. Always ready to lend an ear and more! Look around the site a bit. You'll see what I mean.
God bless.
:)
gayle

[Laura R.]

Hi Angela, It is tough for us moms to think of our kids going in harms way. My son has been in the Navy now for two years and has been in the Middle East for just about that long. He has never had a problem there and has had a chance to see so much of the world. He has been to places and seen things that he would never have an oppurtunity to see. He has a great job that he loves and he has matured beyond belief. Depending on his job your son could end up living in Europe, Japan, or even the United States. We are all here for you for any support you need or any questions you have about Navy life. Feel free to stop by anytime to chat. Best of luck to you and your family as Matthew makes this decision. Laura

[Laura]

You are such an awesome Mom. Reading your story I felt your strength and respect you have in your son.You will make a great NAVY Mom. We are all in the same boat at one time or another,.But the rewards of having your son In the NAVY are many.No one knows those rewarrds but you and you know what..thats ok..My son has been in the NAVY since he was 17,enlisting right out of HS. There isnt a day go by that I dont tell someone how proud of him I am. People I know,know Mike thru the pride in him I share with them every single day. You have what it takes to be a NAVY mom,courage, and respect.Go get em girl.Support your sons decisionl It will be the best gift you ever give him HOO-RAH NAVY.Laura

[JacquieKSMM3]

Dear Angela
My prayers are with you. My son just is in his 7th week of A School so we are just starting this process also. Everytime I talk to him I can tell in his voice how much he loves it. He is only 18 will turn nineteen the last day of the month. But with the state of the economy right now he will never have to worry about being unemployed. I think for those that choose to serve. There is know high honor to be gained!! Thank you son for me for choosing to serve his county. It is hard to let them go at any age but I have a wonderful peace about his decision.
Jacquie

[Lisa]

Angela, I am right there with you!! My son, Josh (21 yrs) just enlisted Tuesday. He told us the day after Thanksgiving that he had quit college with 1 1/2 years left to get his degree and was going to join the Navy. As I posted on another forum, I have finally stopped crying myself to sleep at night but I still tear up just thinking about it. In my heart I know he has made the right choice with the economy the way it is right now but that doesn't stop me from worrying about him! I am SO proud of him, always have and always will be, but I'm having a lot of trouble being happy for him which is what he wants from me. He worries because I am having such a hard time with his decision. I've told him I am very proud of him but it is going to take a little time to be happy for him but eventually I will, I just need a little time to process things. Kids don't understand how we feel about them until they become parents themselves. Josh is scheduled to leave for basic training Oct 5th if not sooner. I have been praying for God to give me the strength it takes to not fall apart when we take him to the bus the first time. I want to be strong for him because I know he wants to protect me and not feel like his decision has broken my heart. What he doesn't understand is that his decision didn't break my heart it just worries me for his safety. The thing that breaks my heart is that he is now an adult and I have to let go and pray that I did a good job with the gift God gave me of raising that wonderful, sweet, blonde headed, blue eyed baby boy who is now an AWESOME young man!